(Update, August 17, 2018):
The suspect in a large marijuana grow operation in Elmer Township has been identified. 61-year old Hendrick Westers was arraigned earlier this week on felony charges stemming from the over 700 marijuana plants seized on his property, as well as his attempt to flee from law enforcement.
Sanilac County Drug Task Force officers had originally served a search warrant in the 2000 block of West Frenchline Road last week after receiving multiple complaints of a marijuana grow operation in an open field. Upon seeing law enforcement, Westers fled onto his pond in a canoe, but was eventually talked back to shore by officers. Investigation revealed that Westers did not have any sort of medical marijuana certification. He was arrested and is facing multiple felony charges, as well as several outstanding misdemeanor warrants. Westers next court date is scheduled for August 21st.
Original Post (August 14, 2018):
The Sanilac County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on Frenchline Rd., near Isles Rd in Elmer Twp., Thursday afternoon (August 9). According to DTF Director Jim Johnson, a large marijuana grow operation, with over 700 plants, was discovered. Johnson said there were no medical marijuana cards or caregiver cards to have the plants and the homeowner was arrested. Although the case remains under investigation, Johnson said the 61-year old male fled in a canoe on his pond and had to be talked into shore, after a brief stand-off. The suspect was later taken into custody and lodged in the Sanilac County jail.
